Making the right career choice is a very important decision. But how do you make a career choice when you don’t really know what you want to do? Most of the students are in the position of making a career choice very early on in life. It is easier said than done to decide whether or not the career they choose will suit them.
The field of Electrical Engineering is extremely lively, particularly due to the many new innovations, products and markets in this discipline. Electrical engineers are high in demand and are employable in a wide range of areas beyond engineering. They are found to have done well in diverse fields such as IT, finance and even management. A lot of Electrical Engineers opt to do jobs directly related to their research and lab experience while others look for careers that draw upon their strong background in science and maths to work in academic, government or private sectors.
However, it is found that electrical engineering is not a high-growth field and the number of organisations who hire engineers for development has dropped compared to early days. The instability in job growth is primarily a result of overseas engineering competition. Another concern is the personal risk that comes attached to this job. Nevertheless, the reward of a career in Electrical Engineering can certainly overcome the disadvantages for someone ever more interested in this field.
A major in Electrical Engineering from a reputed university can prepare you for a variety of careers that are responsible for a wide range of technological skills. There are many specialisations within the field of Electrical Engineering providing you with a range of career paths as an Electrical Engineer. The major employing industries include:
Electronics
IT
Manufacturing
Power
Transport
Construction and building
Telecommunications
Aerospace
Automotive
Research and development
Petrochemicals
If you’re considering a career in Electrical Engineering, then you will need to do well in maths and science while you are in high school. Here’s what you will have do to become an Electrical Engineer:
Step 1
Join an undergraduate bachelor’s course with a major in Engineering Science as your first degree.
Step 2
Join a postgraduate Master of Professional Engineering to qualify as an electrical engineer. Postgraduates can pursue further study in a specialist field or in research.
In the course of your degree, you will be prepared to develop subject-specific skills in many areas. You will also expand your core skills that can be utilised in many other career areas.
A lot of organisations value practical experience in Electrical Engineering. Students can earn credits by participating in cooperative engineering programs offered at your university. Some courses offer a year out in the industry providing further opportunities to broaden your skill set. This work experience helps in establishing a network of contacts. Numerous companies offer summer jobs which add to your resume.
So what are the skills required for a career in Electrical Engineering
1. Ability to identify, analyse and solve problems
2. Good oral and written communication skills
3. Keen concentration and problem-solving skills
4. Practical and creative
5. Able to work independently and accept responsibility
6. Fine eye for detail
7. High level of mathematical capacity
8. Fond of computing and technical design
9. Logical reasoning and troubleshooting skills
10. Ability to work under pressure
Being a major in electrical engineering can lead you to a number of career directions – choose the field that suits you the best. The field you decide depends on your interests, values, skills and experiences. One should take time to explore the multiple career fields and choose one that will lead to a foundation for a satisfying career.
